In South Carolina, it is currently illegal to tattoo someone above the neck.

Some would agree that this law is a bit outdated. Others would say it is justified.

What people cannot argue about, however, is the effect it has on licensed tattoo artists.

Born Again Tattoo owner Sushil Patel said that out of every 10 people who come in wanting a tattoo one of them wants it done above the neck and needs to be turned away.

This is just one of the many restrictions tattoo artists have to face in South Carolina that do not exist in neighboring states.

An example would be the zoning requirements. In South Carolina, no matter the location, government employees are required to visit the location of a proposed tattoo shop and measure to see if it is within 1,000 feet of a church, school or playground.

This arbitrary requirement stands despite other adult-oriented businesses such as bars and strip clubs, only needing to be 500 feet away from those same locations.

The final restriction on tattoo shops is that it is illegal for them to sell any physical products. This prohibits all merchandise, such as branded shirts, or even aftercare productions.

These same restrictions are nearly nonexistent in North Carolina.

That is why people like Josh Franklin cross the border to get their desired tattoo after discovering it is illegal to get what they want in South Carolina.

“I called two different places in Columbia and they both told me that they couldn’t do it so, I found this girl up in Charlotte who would do it and I made the drive,” Franklin said.

These limitations could be a thing of the past however, if House Bill 3099 were to pass. This proposed law would bring tattooing laws in South Carolina to align more with surrounding states by removing the restrictions on tattooing above the neck and selling merchandise. by additionally allowing a pathway to go around the 1,000 foot limit by allowing the governing body of a church, school or playground to consent to having a tattoo shop closer.